This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian's Cubs Beat newsletter.

If you're reading this, congratulations -- you've just about made it through another offseason.

Coverage includes audio and video clips, interviews, statistics, schedules and exclusive stories.

After watching veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd cruise through the Yomiuri Giants’ lineup in an exhibition game at the Tokyo Dome last week, Cubs manager Craig Counsell had one prevailing thought.

It’s almost Opening Day, with the excitement and promise of a new season radiating throughout the sport and beyond.

After Shota Imanaga’s four no-hit innings on Opening Day in Tokyo, Cubs manager Craig Counsell handed the ball to Ben Brown.

Coverage includes audio and video clips, interviews, statistics, schedules and exclusive stories.

Coverage includes audio and video clips, interviews, statistics, schedules and exclusive stories.